Apologies
for absence: Received from County Councillor M. Snelling and Clive Stanley.

The
Chairman accepted apologies for absence.

There
were no alterations to the Register of Members Interests.

The
Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting , held on Monday,
20 th February 2006, were confirmed and signed.

Matters
arising from the Minutes.

The
Clerk reported that:-

a.
P. 778 Matters Arising. Bus shelter to Lower Higham. The bus shelter had now
been placed on order.

b.
P. 778 Matters Arising. Memorial Seat. Mr Jarrett had been informed that the
circular walk sign would not be reprinted, but that the County Council would
allow either a kissing gate or a stile as a memorial, and a reply was currently
awaited. Cllr. Waugh reported that the kissing gate would be located next to
the Churchyard and she reported that she hoped to install another to the area
with funds from the R.O.W. budget, to deter motor bikes.

c.
P. 778 Matters Arising. Recreation Ground. Trojan Engineering had quoted £430
plus VAT to weld on box sections of metal to the two picnic tables to save removing
them. Cllr. Wright asked if a more detailed specification of materials to be
used could be provided.

d.
P. 779 Highways. WPC Duffort had confirmed that the camera to the top of the
traffic lights in Villa Road, facing the garage, was a traffic light sensor
to allow the safe egress of traffic
from the garage forecourt.

e.
P.782 Any Other Business. Replacement of Dickens Sign. A date for the re-installation
of the sign was currently awaited from the sub-contractor.

f.
There had now been a total of 18,522 hits to the website with the figures for
March being 2071.

Rural
Housing Initiative - School Lane.

Cllr.
Saunders announced that she wished to stand down for the duration of this item
and took no part in the discussions which followed.

Cllr.
Oakeshott confirmed that the Borough Council had now purchased one third of
the land at School Lane and a site survey had now been carried out to assess
the suitability of the site. A public exhibition to display sketch proposals
which had been drawn up by the Hyde Housing Association for site layout and
style of properties was to be held in Higham Library on 11 th April from 3.30
p.m. until 7.30 p.m., when Housing and Highways Officers would be present along
with representatives of the Hyde Housing Association to answer any questions.

The
exhibition would also be on display at the Annual Parish Assembly on 20 th April.
She reminded those present that a formal planning application would need to
be submitted in due course.

Cllr.
Jupp summarised some of the reasons why the Parish Council was supporting the
initiative. The original proposal to consider a total of 14 residences on this
site had been reduced to 9 by the Council, and the list of Higham residents
eligible for consideration, as identified by the Housing Needs Survey, was already
in excess of this number. The access to School Lane was at its widest point,
with good sight lines and met the traffic safety requirements. Traffic problems
to School Lane had been caused by heavy lorries and not cars.

The
future of Higham as a sustainable village required young people and this scheme
was designed to encourage them to stay instead of moving away. The school had
suffered a reduction in numbers of children and if this trend continued it was
possible that it might be considered for amalgamation with a nearby school and
close. The development was set back from the road behind a shield of existing
trees and, given the success of Isis Cottages, the design of the properties
was more likely to enhance the value of local properties rather than to reduce
them. Whilst it was anticipated that only smaller plots of suitable land would
become available within the village, this was an opportunity that could not
be allowed to slip by.

In
response Cllr. Grey stated that whilst he was not against the principle of rural
housing he remained opposed to development on green belt land. This proposed
development exceeded the outline numbers discussed at the start of the scheme
and he felt that sites elsewhere in School Lane and Canal Road should also have
been considered. In answer to a question from Cllr. Howard, Cllr. Jupp confirmed
that it was understood that no further development would be able to take place
on this site and that this would be built into the agreement. If residents wished
to move from the development the property would be sold back to the Hyde Housing
Association to keep it for the young people of the village. As some residents
had not received a letter from the Hyde Housing Association informing them of
the Exhibition, the Chairman agreed to chase this for them.

Parishioners'
Matters.

The
Chairman showed Parishioners a copy of the feasibility option for the proposed
development and assured them that it was understood that the owner of the remaining
land would not be allowed to sell further land at a future date to expand the
development.

Mr
Pearton, of Chalk Road, expressed concern that the sewerage system to School
Lane would be unable to cope with these extra properties as well as those under
consideration for the land beyond the station car park. Cllr. Oakeshott confirmed
that the Borough Council was not in favour of residences at this site but would
look into warehousing, commercial property or recreational facilities instead.
The Chairman confirmed that no plans were under consideration for this site
at the present time.

To
discuss further security measures for Higham Pavilion.

The
Clerk reported that following the break-ins to the Pavilion, the Crime Prevention
Officer had recommended that roll top fencing should be installed around the
building to create a definable space between it and the Recreation Ground. She
had written to the agents for St. John's College to ascertain its views but
had not yet received a reply.

Mrs
Green, of the StartRite Kindergarten, explained that the fencing would also
encompass the control box for the floodlighting and the manhole covers thus
providing extra protection for these areas which had also suffered from vandalism.
It was envisaged that two gates would be installed to the proposed fencing and
both the Kindergarten and the Parish Council would be key holders. Mrs Green
reported that the cost of the project would be likely to be in the region of
£8000 but that half of this amount had been secured as a grant from the
Community Warden budget, and that Cllr. Snelling had advised the Parish Council
to submit an application to his Individual Members Grant allocation which had
received new funding from April. After discussion it was proposed by Cllr. Oakeshott,
seconded by Cllr. Jupp and agreed by all Members that the Parish Council would
provide the sum of £2000 to underwrite the project until the result of
the grant application was known, this amount to come from the Recreation Ground
fencing budget and the grant from the Strood Rotary Club.

The
Clerk reported that Zurich Municipal had agreed to pay for repairs to the roof,
guttering and fascias of the Pavilion. Members agreed that it would be better
to defer this work until the fencing had been installed to give better protection.

Cllr.
Goring reported that a blockage to the drainage system of the Pavilion had caused
raw sewage to back up and flood the Recreation Ground. A football match home
fixture had been cancelled on health and safety grounds and a drainage contractor
had been employed on an emergency basis to excavate with a digger on a Saturday
to clear the problem. It was discovered that debris had been thrown into the
drain and a beer can and tennis ball wedged into the pipe. The matter had been
reported to the Police and a crime number obtained. Members were in agreement
that a claim should be made to the Insurers as the cost of the repair was £1885.28.

Celebration
of the Queen's 80 th Birthday.

The
Clerk produced samples of mugs supplied by Rimmington Vial for customisation
by the Parish Council to celebrate the 80 th birthday of the Queen. The cost
of each mug would be £3.25, but Members decided that it was unlikely that
the children would appreciate such an artefact and that the money budgeted would
be better spent on a project that would benefit the whole village. As other
Parishes were not marking this special occasion it was proposed by Cllr. Goring,
seconded by Cllr. Wright and agreed by all Members that this money should also
go towards the provision of the roll top fencing and that a plaque should be
installed making reference to the Queen's birthday.

Annual
Parish Assembly 2006.

Members
endorsed the decision to ask Spectra Press to produce the 2006 Newsletter which
had been held at the 2005 price, other quotations having been received from
D and A (£996.00) and BHF Graphic (£630.00). The Clerk circulated
a draft copy of the newsletter which would be received back from the printers
within a couple of days and delivered by the Scouts at the weekend. Members
agreed to help with the delivery of the remaining booklets as in previous years.

Those
Members who were available agreed to meet at the Memorial Hall at 3.30 p.m.
on 20/4 to prepare for the Annual Parish Assembly that evening. The exhibition
of rural housing proposals would be on display at the back of the Hall and PC
Ridley would speak on the Speedwatch system.

Higham
Gardens for Pleasure Competition 2006.

Discussion
amongst Members took place regarding possibly extending the judging to include
allotments this year but it was felt that this was moving away from the original
sentiment of the competition which stated that the gardens should be "seen
by the passer-by". It was hoped that Morton Grey would judge the competition
again this year, and the Chairman asked for Members to help produce the short
list as in previous years.

Councillors'
Matters.

Borough

Cllr.
Jupp reported that the appeals by the travellers at White Post Lane, Sole Street,
had been withdrawn and accordingly they now had until October 2008 to vacate
and restore the land to its former condition, which was an excellent result
for both the local residents and Gravesham Borough Council. The ballot of existing
council tenants on the possible transfer of the housing stock had been adjourned
until October. If it went through the new name would be the Thameside Housing
Association. The Home Secretary had accepted Kent's case to stay as a single
strategic police force although it would continue to collaborate with neighbouring
forces on issues such as cross-border crime.

Cllr.
Oakeshott reported that a Meeting of the Joint Transportation Board had taken
place last week. Due to insufficient support from local residents it had been
decided not to extend the current Controlled Parking Zone in Lower Higham. Mr
Wybraniec had been asked to prepare a report with possible solutions to bring
back for discussion at the next meeting of the Board in October, following his
recent site meeting in the village to look at Traffic Management issues. The
interactive road signs to the Chalk Road and double yellow lines to Villa Road
had now been placed as high priority and additional measures would be taken
to alleviate traffic congestion at Higham Primary School. Resigning on the Wainscott
By Pass and B2000 would be put in hand and the feasibility of a weight restriction
for Villa Road and Forge Lane would be investigated. Delays and diversions to
the A2 were expected from July when work would commence on road widening. The
Tour de France cycle race would pass through Higham along the A226 on 8 th July
2007.

Parish.

Cllr.
Grey reported that on three known occasions cars had driven over the grass verge
rather than stopping at the chicane near to the entrance to the Memorial Hall
car park.

Cllr.
Saunders reported that more graffiti had appeared to the post box in Lower Higham
and that the frame of the old road sign still required removal. Medway Council
had installed a road sign showing the boundary of Medway at the entrance to
Lower Rochester Road, near to its junction with the B2000, and local residents
had complained that it was an eyesore. Cllr. Waugh felt that it was sited on
Gravesham land and Cllr.Saunders agreed to inform the residents accordingly.

REFRESHMENT
BREAK

a.
Planning.

Plans
were available for the following planning applications which had been received
and reviewed by the Planning Committee:-

Cllr.
Oakeshott reported that the planning application for two cottages to the Chequers
P.H. car park had been passed subject to the provision of a pavement and the
car park remaining open at all times which necessitated the removal of the military
vehicles.

b.
K.A.P.C.

Cllr.
Saunders reported that both she and Cllr. Hinks had attended a recent meeting
of the Area Committee. None of the other Parishes were planning any form of
celebration for the Queen's 80 th Birthday. All Parishes, but Vigo, seemed interested
in the part-ownership of a Speedwatch system, but there were concerns about
where the equipment might be stored and
how it would be transported from one area to the other.

c.
Memorial Hall.

Cllr.
Goring reported that the anticipated target start date for the building works
to the Hall of 26/5 now seemed doubtful as legal paperwork still had to be completed.

d.
Multi-Purpose Games Area.

Cllr.
Goring reported that if the roll top fencing to the Pavilion was to be installed
the style of the control box cover would not have to be so heavy duty.

e.
Recreation Ground.

Cllr.
Goring reported that the whereabouts of the position of one of the original
manholes to the Pavilion drainage could not be traced. Both Cllr. Grey and Mrs
Green offered to loan metal detectors
to try and trace the location.

f.
Parish Environment Committee.

Cllr.
Jupp reported that at the present time the Committee had undertaken to update
the Risk Assessment and to investigate a General Emergency Plan.

g.
G.R.O.W.C.

Cllr.
Waugh asked for permission to spend a total of £150 out of the Rights
of Way budget to install an additional
kissing gate and this was agreed.

h.
Governors of Higham Primary School.

Cllr.
James reported that the fall in the school roll from 270 pupils last year to
241 this year meant that during this academic year the school would have 9 classes.
From September 2007 the planned admission number would reduce from 38 to 30
which would allow for children to be taught in 10 classes of a reasonable size.
The resulting 3 vacant classrooms would be used to accommodate "before
and after" school activities. The school house was now empty and the newly
appointed Site Manager had started refurbishing prioritised areas of the school.
Due to the resignation of the Chair of Governors, Cllr. James had been appointed
to the position of Chair, having held the position of the representative of
the Parish Council on the Governing Body for the past 10 years. School pupils
were celebrating the Queen's 80th birthday by studying certain aspects of her
life over a 20 year period and presenting their findings to a special school
assembly for invited guests to be held on the Friday before the Summer Fayre
on 24/6. A tea party would be held
in the afternoon.

i.
Merston Court.

The
Chairman reported that Merston Court celebrated 25 years on 5/5. The club now
had 4 diabetics which meant that sweets had to be made with a low sugar content.

Finance.

The
Clerk presented the quarterly financial statement for the period 1/1/06 to 31/3/06.
She asked for approval for the items shown on the agenda plus an amount of £197.30
for J.A.Stanley for the preparation of the 2006 newsletter, and £684.34
for administration expenses for the period 1/1/06 to 31/3/06, this being proposed
by Cllr. Oakeshott, seconded by Cllr. Jupp and agreed by all Members.

1
st Higham Scouts (Sect. 137/139 grant - newsletter delivery) 50.00

Mrs
M. Davies (talk at APA - Sect. 150(2) L.G.Act 1972) 30.00

Lesley
Topping (food for APA - Sect 150(2) L.G.Act 1972) 150.00

George
Webb Finn ( ½ year rent for Recreation Ground) 125.00

K.A.P.C.
(2006 subscription and Local Council Review) 969.61

Clerk's
salary (1/1/06 - 31/3/06) 1209.00

Exps.
- use of office (1/1/06 - 31/3/06) 227.50

Clive
Stanley (webmaster services 1/12/05 - 28/3/06) 120.00

K.A.P.C.
(notices) 13.22

1
st Main Drain Ltd. (drainage problem to Recreation Ground) 1885.28

Higham
Village Sports Association (Sect. 137/139 grant) 250.00

Higham
Brownies (Sect. 137/139 grant) 100.00

Higham
Cub Pack (Sect. 137/139 grant) 100.00

Higham
Age Concern (Sect 137/139 grant) 300.00

St.
John's Church (Sect. 137/139 grant) 250.00

It
was proposed by Cllr. Goring, seconded by Cllr. James, and agreed by all Members
that the Clerk's salary should be increased to £4992 per annum w.e.f 1/4/06.
The expenses for the provision of an office would remain unchanged at £910
per annum.

Members
unanimously agreed to increase the rents for allotment plots w.e.f. 1/4/06.
A single plot would now cost £7 each , two to four plots would cost £6.50
each and five or more plots would remain at £6.00 each.

Correspondence.

The
correspondence folder had been available for perusal by all Members from 7.00
p.m. on that evening, but the Clerk drew Members' attention to the following
items:-

1.
Members unanimously agreed to the provision of a raffle prize for the Higham
School Summer Fayre on 24/6.

2.
Members agreed to add the existing Parish Lighting to the new Kent Highway Services
contract providing it retained the same conditions as under the existing Parish
Lighting Agreement.

3.
Members noted the date of the 2005/2006 Audit as 5/6/06.

4.
Members agreed to proceed with the registration of the allotments with the Land
Registry for a fee of £30.

To
note the date of the 2007 Annual Parish Assembly.

This
was given as being Thursday,19 th April 2007 at 7.30 p.m.

To
note the date of the next Parish Council Meeting.

This
was given as being Monday, 8th May 2006 at 7.30 p.m. for the Annual Parish Council
Meeting, followed by a Parish Council Meeting.

Any
Other Business.

The
Clerk drew Members' attention to e-mails she had received regarding recent illegal
activities at Great Crabbles Wood. As this area was outside the Parish it was
agreed that the details should be passed direct to Shorne Parish Council.

Cllr.
James reported that 2006 was the 350 th Anniversary of the Shaves Charity. He
had found information which he offered to pass to the Clerk for inclusion on
the website or in the 2007 Parish Newsletter.

Members
agreed to send a letter of appreciation to WPC Duffort and her Police colleagues
who had secured sentences and fines for youngsters who had taken part in vandalism
within the village.

The
Chairman agreed to speak with WPC Alison Duffort regarding the continuing problem
of dogging which was taking place to the slip road alongside the A226, now that
young families had moved into Isis Cottages.